The Rockers were announced in 1991 as successful restaurant owner Ted Gregory was granted the Arena league expansion the franchise. As one of four expansion teams for 1992, the Rockers sold 5,700 season tickets.[1] Led by Art Schlichter,[2] who had signed a one-year $40,000 contract,[3] the Rockers finished their first season in the league with a surprising 7-3 record, but lost in the first round of the playoffs 41-36 to the Tampa Bay Storm.

The team ceased operations following a 2-10 season in 1993.[4] The team's attendance fell by almost 50%, leading to Tom Gregory's decision to drop out of the AFL for the 1994 season.[5] Gregory attempted to find additional sponsors to re-launch the team in 1995,[5] but he instead sold the franchise to the Hartford Sports & Entertainment Group, who moved the franchise to Hartford, Connecticut and became known as the Connecticut Coyotes.[6]